With traditional metal braces, you would have to avoid certain foods that may damage your brackets and wires and prolong your treatment period. If you opt for Invisalign, however, you’ll be able to remove your aligners before every meal, and enjoy the freedom of being able to eat and drink anything you desire. Foods like nuts, popcorn, pretzels, hard taco shells, and corn on the cob are all okay to eat with Invisalign because you don’t have worry about them breaking your brackets or wires.
Although Invisalign aligners can be removed for every meal, they should be worn for at least 22 hours each day. That being said, this orthodontic treatment leaves 2 hours each day for patients to consume three meals and snacks. Since Invisalign patients only have 2 hours to eat each day, they are likely to eat less throughout the day and plan their meals in advance in order to meet these requirements.
Due to the fact that patients have to brush their teeth every time they eat, many avoid snacking and junk food. They prefer to only eat three times a day and be selective in the types of foods they eat. Many times, these foods are full of nutrients and sure to keep them full until their next meal. Invisalign patients also refrain from drinking too much alcohol or soda because they contain sugar and/or acid which can sit on their teeth under the Invisalign aligners.
Believe it or not, patients who avoid snacking, are careful about the foods they consume, and reduce their intake of alcohol and soda have actually reported weight loss and increased energy. Although weight loss is not guaranteed with Invisalign, this orthodontic treatment can motivate you to eat healthier and improve your physical well-being. If you’d like a beautiful smile in addition to some motivation to eat healthier and shed unwanted pounds, you can’t go wrong with Invisalign.
Contact Gladwell Orthodontics Today
If you’d like more information on how Invisalign can affect your weight, reach out to Dr. Jason Gladwell at Gladwell Orthodontics today by calling (919) 453-6325. He’ll be happy to further explain the correlation between weight loss and Invisalign.
